The OHS softball season has begun as their first game was on April 8 against the Austin Packers. The final score was 13-6 as the Huskies finished out on top over Austin. A highlight from the home opener was senior Captain Preslee Hodgman hitting a triple and home run. Hodgman said, “It was an exciting start to my senior season and was fun to see everyone get so excited.” 

The team has lots of goals for the upcoming season and hope to make great improvements on their record as well as to go farther in sections this year. Junior Captain Kendra Bogen said, “My goal is to have a .500 batting average and to make it past sections.” The Huskies finished last season with a record of 17-7 and are hoping to finish stronger this year. 

Since there is a long gap between each year for softball players, some of the players do out-of-season training to better themselves and better prepare for the season, hoping that they can improve their skill level from the previous year. They can incorporate lifting to get stronger participating in club teams in the cities to keep moving and as well as to go to softball clinics during the off season to keep their skills up. 

With the many seniors lost from last season’s team, the Huskies will look to their seniors and captains for guidance in their rebuild process. Everyone has to step up in order to fill those spots. Bogen said, “My role as a captain is to lead the team, set examples and show the younger girls how varsity is different from junior varsity.” 

The Owatonna High School softball team has hopes for the season such as hard work, community support and their love for the game. Overall hoping to achieve their high expectations and goals for the upcoming year. 

The OHS Softball team has their next home game on April 28, 2025 at 7 p.m. and it is against Rochester Mayo.